Headers install... As easy as I think?

[JamesE30]

About to head into the garage and throw these on. Is there anything I should know before I try installing them myself?
Is it pretty much as simple as bolt off -> bolt on?

Yes I did search. There is not a single thread I could find on installing headers.

Thanks in advance.
James

[318isbmw]

So long as their the same length as your stock exhaust manifolds and output to same spot as stock then yes. Otherwise your gonna have to alter where they attach to the exhaust. Rusty bolts attaching to the head are another crappy thing that happens, be careful about stripping those bolts. Besides that its easy...

[JamesE30]

So long as their the same length as your stock exhaust manifolds and output to same spot as stock then yes. Otherwise your gonna have to alter where they attach to the exhaust. Rusty bolts attaching to the head are another crappy thing that happens, be careful about stripping those bolts. Besides that its easy...

Good point.. I hope mine are ok.

Thanks for the advice :up:

[e30_325es]

Depends on the headers. My bavauto long tubes were a pain, but I figured it out. I had to install them from the top, put one in half way, then the other the same amount, then both went more or less right in.

[txleadfoot]

Factory M42? Remove the coils & disconnect the spark plug wires. I had to jack up the engine a few inches to install from the top.

[tonytony]

Depends on the headers. My bavauto long tubes were a pain, but I figured it out. I had to install them from the top, put one in half way, then the other the same amount, then both went more or less right in.

big PITA, it was like one of those puzzles dealy thigns

[e30_325es]

^^^Absolutely!

[elsabor67]

After a day and 1/2 I had to wave the white flag and get them installed by someone that knew what they were doing. Biggest problem I had was my X-pipe not lining up. Definetly something that was out of my league and a definite learning experience 'cause they let me help them put them on.

[JamesE30]

After a day and 1/2 I had to wave the white flag and get them installed by someone that knew what they were doing. Biggest problem I had was my X-pipe not lining up. Definetly something that was out of my league and a definite learning experience 'cause they let me help them put them on.

Exactly what I did.

It's all installed now, I can't decide weather I'm happy with it or not though..
Performance is great, I can definitely feel the difference in torque (though I did install a BMC CDA at the same time so I guess that would help too) and really, performance is what counts most..

But I have lost the sound I loved. My exhaust is actually quieter with the new headers... Anyone else notice that?.. And there is a definite leak after the X-pipe, I'll be pulling it apart tomorrow to fix the leak with some sealant (no big problem), and I need to show the down pipes some gentile love with a BFH.. it just rubs the steering slightly (RHD) when I turn left..

I'm hoping after it's all sealed properly it will sound (and smell) nice again.
Cars booked in for a service in a few days too, so that should take care of some of the other engine noise..